Inter- and intrastrain variation in mouse critical running speed

• Published in: Journal of applied physiology (1985) 2005-04, Vol.98 (4), p.1258-1263
• Main Authors: Billat, Veronique L, Mouisel, Etienne, Roblot, Natacha, Melki, Judith
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anaerobic Threshold - physiology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Exercise; Exercise Test - methods; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetics; Male; Mice - physiology; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Physical Endurance - physiology; Physical Exertion - physiology; Rodents; Running - physiology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Factors; Species Specificity; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 8750-7587; 1522-1601
• DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00991.2004

1 Unité de Formation et de Recherche Fondamentale et Appliquée, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology EA3872, and 2 Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, E223, University of Evry, Evry, France Submitted 9 September 2004 ; accepted in final form 5 November 2004 With the generation of mouse models of human cardiovascular or neuromuscular disorders, the development of noninvasive methods to evaluate the physiological responses to exercise presents an important challenge. The possibility for determining critical speed (CS) in the mouse model was examined according to strain (CD1, C57BL/6J, FVB/N) and sex. Sixty mice performed four exhaustive runs on a treadmill to determine their CS. Twenty-one performed an incremental test to determine the velocity at the lactate threshold. CS was significantly different between the strains ( P < 0.0001) but not between sexes. Two measures of heritability showed that CS was partially heritable. CS was not significantly different from lactate threshold velocity. We conclude that CS, which reflects the aerobic capacity, can be determined in mice, as in humans and horses. Considering the intrastrain variability, CS could represent a valuable means for designing an optimal and individualized physical training in mice. heritability; exercise Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: V. L. Billat, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, UFRSFA, Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne Boulevard François Mitterrand, 94025 Evry Cedex France (E-mail: veronique.billat{at}wanadoo.fr )